Facts show that children today are far less likely to spend time outdoors than children from previous generations. Just consider this:
- A child is six times more likely to play a video game on a typical day than to ride a bike.
- In 1995, 68% of children ages 7 to 11 rode a bike at least six times a year. Last year, only 47% did.
- The average child in America will spend more than 45 hours per week in front of a TV, computer, or video game and less that 30 minutes per week in unstructured, outdoor play.
Sad, isn’t it? At Missoula Children and Nature, we believe that all children deserve to experience the wonders of nature and enjoy spending time in the great outdoors.
All children should have to right to have fun while they:
- Camp under the stars
- Learn to identify native plants
- Ride a bike or walk to school
- Plant a flower or explore a garden
- Learn to swim
- Play outdoors
- Hike a trail
- Learn about local wildlife
- Roast marshmallows over a campfire
- Discover and explore Missoula’s natural areas
- Are mentored by adults who care about nature
- Catch and release fish, frogs, butterflies, and insects
Learn more about the Missoula Children and Nature Network here.